Five Health and Wellness Trends Shaping the Workplace in 2018
In recent years, there’s been a heavy shift toward corporate wellness programs focused on providing employees with a well-rounded work-life balance and enhancing workplace satisfaction. The practice is so popular that more than 9 out of 10 employers offer at least one wellness service or benefit, and it impacts business of all sizes. The future of corporate wellness has never looked brighter, with numerous programs and initiatives to encourage employees to engage in employee-sponsored wellness benefits. Here are five of the most popular health and wellness trends that employers are integrating into their corporate structure to increase the quality of life of their employees.
Fitness and Weight Management Programs
With a global push for individuals to adopt healthier, more fit lifestyles, many companies are bringing fitness to work. Employers are offering a variety of fitness incentives including free yoga, zumba and meditation classes before or after work and reduced-price or free gym memberships. Some companies are even providing private, on-site fitness centers. Snacking also plays a significant factor in physical fitness and weight management, with many employers providing staff with healthy snacks in the company break room and during office meetings along with offering catered lunches that focus on fresh, healthy meal options.
Fitness Challenges and Competitions
There’s no better way to boost morale in the workplace than with a healthy competition amongst colleagues. Many companies are offering fitness competitions several times per year to incentivize employees to take a hold of their physical fitness and make goals for reshaping their lifestyles. Some challenges can be as simple as an office pool where the biggest loser takes home the prize. The more complex challenges usually involve a team of fitness experts and trainers—usually company sponsored—to establish and monitor the physical progress of participants, with work bonuses being awarded to those who reach their fitness goals.
Reshaping the Workspace
The design and layout of a workspace is just as important to one’s mental and physical well-being as anything else. Since many employees spend at least 8-10 hours inside of the workplace, companies are looking for ways to improve physical fitness within company walls. Exercise balls and standing work stations are replacing chairs and ergonomic equipment is an essential part of daily work tasks. Some companies are even going to the extreme by providing treadmills at designated work stations. Workspace layout plays a critical role in promoting a healthy atmosphere. For example, many work spaces are now designed to include an indoor walking path that runs the entire perimeter of the office space for employees to use freely during break periods. Bike share programs are also on the rise.
Stress Management
While there’s always a big push for physical fitness and health, it’s important to keep in mind the significance of a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing as well. Dealing with work stress is no easy task, especially if it gets to a point where employees are taking work issues home with them. Employers have noticed the need to establish initiatives that help reduce workplace stress, and encourage workers to deal with stress management by sponsoring meditation classes, counseling sessions, mentorships and more.
Flexible Work Environments
A significant component to achieving a healthy work-life balance is the ability for employees to have some flexibility in when and where they work. The corporate world is taking notice that providing employees with flexible work environments increases job satisfaction and reduces absenteeism and turnover. Many employers offer flexible work schedules, the option to telework multiple times per month, and unlimited PTO. Not only do these benefits increase workplace satisfaction, but they also help reduce stress and increase productivity.